Parliament Congratulates Cricketers After WCQ Win

Scotland lifted the ICC World Cup Qualifying trophy after defeating the UAE by 41 runs in the final of the competition at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval on Saturday.

Since the news of the qualification, and now the outright winning of the tournament, well-wishers from across the globe have been sending their congratulations to Scottish sport’s latest heroes.

Scotland will now be placed in Group A along with Afghanistan, Australia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, New Zealand and a mouth-watering clash against England.

By winning the tournament out-right, Scotland also have the opportunity to play in Dunedin, the Edinburgh of the south as it is frequently referred to, and will face both hosts, New Zealand in their opening fixture in Dunedin and Australia in Hobart.

Scotland can now look ahead to the visit of England to Aberdeen on 9th May for a One Day International. The team can go into the match with their heads held high, as a busy year ahead of the 2015 World Cup will now take place.

Following qualification to the 2015 ICC World Cup the Scottish cricket team were congratulated in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday through a motion from Stuart McMillan, MSP for the West Scotland Region.

Motion Text:

That the Parliament congratulates Scotland on qualifying for the 2015 Cricket World Cup in Australia; commends the Scottish players for their determination as they won what it considers a tense qualifying match against Kenya by three wickets to secure their place in the international tournament; applauds the interim head coaches, Craig Wright and Paul Collingwood, and the captain, Preston Mommsen, for leading the team to its third World Cup, and wishes the team success as it goes forward in the tournament.

Media coverage and the public reaction following the achievement have been overwhelming, with messages from compatriots Ireland, former England captain Michael Vaughan, Yorkshire, Leicestershire and Sussex cricket clubs to mention but a few.

Chairman of Cricket Scotland Keith Oliver OBE commented, “We are delighted with the recognition by the Scottish Parliament after the recent endeavours of our national team in winning the World Cup Qualifying tournament.

It fills us with confidence that Scotland can build on this achievement. `The team can now go into the World Cup with their heads held high, and continue to be a credit to their country on and off the field.

The success of the national team is yet another boost to the game’s growing profile in the country, and together with the development work, which has already been acknowledged by the ICC, these are exciting times for the game in Scotland.”

The Scotland team also received acknowledgements from Giles Clarke and David Collier, Chairman and CEO of ECB, from Wally Edwards Chairman of Cricket Australia as well as Alan Isaac and David Richardson, ICC President and Chief Executive.